Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in 21 counties across the state on Tuesday, including Humboldt County, in the wake of the winter storms that have wreaked havoc across the state.

“These winter storms caused extensive snowfall, high winds, dangerous flash flooding, erosion, widespread power outages, and mud and debris flows,” the proclamation from the governor stated, citing storms that caused “atmospheric rivers” in January and February. “… these winter storms caused damage to critical infrastructure and to roads and highways throughout the state.”

Steady rainfall across Humboldt County has brought mud and debris slides down across highways, flooded local roadways and brought local rivers to flood stage.

“The rain is going to continue through (Tuesday night) and I don’t think we will see a break until much later,” said Kathleen Zontos, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “There may be a brief break and some lighter stuff by Thursday and Friday should be mostly dry.”

Humboldt Bay Fire has reported several areas that have been flooded. Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before leaving home and you are urged to not drive through flooded roadways. (Humboldt Bay Fire — contributed)

The region has seen between one to three inches with up to five inches observed in King Range between Monday and Tuesday. The steady rain has led to the closure of the Hookton Road exit off U.S. Highway 101 and Avenue of the Giants remains closed due to flooding as well. The rain also caused flooding on Myrtle Avenue in Eureka late Tuesday afternoon.

Numerous county roads have been impacted as well.

Zontos said local rivers are expected to reach flood stage, including the Eel River at Fernbridge and there will likely be flooding along the Mad and Van Duzen rivers as well.

“The Eel River is expected to crest at about 25 feet Wednesday at about 1 p.m. and that means possible flooding along (state Route) 211 and maybe a potential closure,” Lewis said. “Snow won’t be a major concern but snow levels could fall to 1,500 to 2,000 feet but by then the light rain will fall and then stop. There could be flooding on roads along the Mad River, other parts of the Eel and along the Van Duzen.”

Highway 101 has been hit hard by the winter storm. The slide at an area near Last Chance Grade was partially cleared late Monday night, allowing travel past the unstable area.

“(Monday) night, we had to close 101 again for a short time so our experts could study the anticipated slide activity,” said Myles Cochrane, a spokesperson with Caltrans District 1. “We closed it down to keep people safe and, now, our contractors and road crews worked hard to open it within just a few hours. I and plenty of others saw local media reports that it closed all night and that was not the case. There is one-way controlled traffic until the storm passes and we are monitoring that stretch of roadway to make sure it remains safe for motorists.”

A section of U.S. Highway 101 12 miles north of Brookings has been damaged by the ground sinking away from underneath the roadway. (Oregon Department of Transportation — contributed)

In addition to the slide at Last Chance Grade, a part of Highway 101 about 12 miles north of Brookings, Oregon, also sunk, leaving that stretch of roadway impassable and forcing motorists to use an alternate route. There is no time estimate from the Oregon Department of Transportation as to when the roadway will reopen.

To the south, authorities in Mendocino County issued an evacuation warning ahead of concerns the Russian River would flood in the early morning hours Tuesday.

“This rain, in addition (to) the rain already saturating the area, is expected to cause moderate flooding to the Ukiah area and Hopland,” a news release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office stated Monday night. “The river is expected to start flooding low lying areas as early as 7 p.m. and is anticipated to crest nearer to 1 a.m.”

Cochrane said there remains a road closure on state Route 36 in Trinity County and Caltrans is monitoring the Eel River at Fernbridge as it continues to rise and threaten state Route 211. Cochrane said there were snow plows on state Route 299 on Tuesday afternoon at Berry Summit and east of Willow Creek.

The rain has not impacted county emergency services, according to a statement from Samantha Karges, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

“We are seeing flooding in areas that typically flood during large rain events,” she said. “We are keeping a close eye on the Eel River Delta and Fernbridge area, where we expect to see more extensive flooding early (Tuesday) morning and into the afternoon.”

Motorists are encouraged to check the Caltrans QuickMap before leaving home and to check on local road conditions as well.